General
A carbohydrate counting diet is used to find out how many carbohydrates you eat at each meal. These are often just called "carbs. " � Your body turns the food you eat into sugars. This is how food affects your blood sugar. Counting your carbs may help you control your blood sugar level. One serving of carbs has about 15 grams of carbohydrates in it. It is recommended to get 45 to 60 grams of carbs at a meal. Carbs give you energy by raising your blood sugar. There are two kinds of carbs, simple and complex. Simple carbs are sugars. Complex carbs are starches. � �
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
Counting your carbs may help balance your food and insulin intake. It may also help control your blood sugar levels. You may also be able to take less insulin. � �
What lifestyle changes are needed?
You need to know and learn how to master this diet. � �
What changes to diet are needed?
You may need more or less carbs. Your doctor will help you learn about carb counting. The doctor will help make a meal plan for you. It will include protein and fat as well to balance your diet. Your doctor will give you exact instructions based on your illness. � �
Who should use this diet?
This diet is right for those who need to control blood sugar levels. It is also the best choice for people with diabetes. � �
What foods are good to eat?
Ask your doctor for specific types of food groups and serving details. Healthy foods include: � �
- Simple carbs like as milk, fruits, and vegetables
- Complex carbs like whole grains, starchy vegetables, beans, lentils
What foods should be limited or avoided?
- Foods high in sugar like candies, ice cream, and table sugars
- High-fructose corn syrup found in sodas, juice drinks, and some processed food
- Refined starches in foods made of white flours and white rice
- High-fat or processed foods
What problems could happen?
- Too many carbs can cause obesity.
- Too many carbs can raise your blood sugar to unwanted levels.
- Not enough carbs can cause poor nutrition.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- You have questions about this diet
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Eat healthy foods regularly such as:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Healthy fats like olive, canola, peanuts, avocado, and fish oils
- Lean meats like chicken, pork, and fish
- Read the label to learn more about the food you eat. Look for:
- Foods that are sugar-free or starch-free
- Serving size
- Low sodium products to avoid high blood pressure
- The grams of carbs in each serving
- Ask your doctor if you plan to eat food with fiber.
- Stay away from sweets and juice drinks. Drink plain water instead.
- If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount you drink. Women should have 1 drink or less per day and men should have 2 drinks or less per day. Be aware that drinking alcohol may cause you to have low blood sugar.
Where can I learn more?
American Diabetes Association � �
http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/carb-counting/ � �
Canadian Diabetes Association � �
http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/nutrition/carbohydrate-counting/ � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �